Austria's second-largest city has a historic center with winding streets, the hilltop Schlossberg Castle, and a unique floating art platform on the Mur River.
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its Renaissance architecture and modern design. In the UNESCO-listed Old Town, you can climb the Clock Tower on Schlossberg hill, examine contemporary art in the Kunsthaus museum, or tour the grand Eggenberg Palace. The city's restaurants serve local Styrian specialties, while its large student population contributes to an active social scene, making Graz an interesting destination in southern Austria.
Exploring Graz's Old Town
Graz's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains over 1,000 buildings spanning architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. Make your way to the main square, Hauptplatz, to see the ornate Town Hall and relax at one of the outdoor cafes. Nearby, visit the Landhaus, a Renaissance courtyard with intricate stone carvings that now houses government offices. As you explore, you'll find many small courtyards and passageways, each with its own history.
Ascending Schlossberg Hill
For panoramic views of Graz, head to Schlossberg hill in the heart of the city. You can reach the top via a funicular railway, glass elevator, or by climbing the 260 steps if you're feeling energetic. At the summit, you'll find the city's most famous landmark - the 28-meter-tall Clock Tower. Built in the 16th century, its large clock face features hour and minute hands reversed, allowing boatmen on the river Mur to tell the time from a distance. Take time to wander the forested paths, enjoy a meal at the hilltop restaurant, or simply take in the views of Graz's red rooftops and the surrounding mountains.
Discovering Contemporary Art at Kunsthaus Graz
The Kunsthaus Graz, a modern art museum locals affectionately call the "Friendly Alien," stands out among the Old Town's historic buildings. This biomorphic structure, completed in 2003, resembles a giant blue bubble with nozzles protruding from its surface. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary and new media art spread across two floors. Even if you don't venture inside, the building itself is visually striking, especially at night when its outer skin becomes a massive light installation.
Savoring Styrian Cuisine
Graz is known for its culinary traditions, earning it the nickname "Austria's Culinary Capital." To experience the local food scene, head to one of the city's farmers markets. The Kaiser-Josef-Platz market, held daily except Sundays, offers fresh produce, meats, and cheeses from the surrounding Styrian countryside. Try some local specialties like Styrian pumpkin seed oil, a nutty, dark green oil drizzled over everything from salads to vanilla ice cream. For a sit-down meal, visit a traditional Buschenschank, a rustic tavern attached to a winery where you can sample local wines and traditional dishes.
Experiencing Student Life
With four universities and over 60,000 students, Graz has an active social scene, particularly evident in the Lend and Gries districts across the Mur River from the Old Town. These formerly working-class neighborhoods now feature trendy cafes, bars, and boutiques. Spend an evening bar-hopping along Mariahilferstraße, or catch a live music performance at one of the many venues in the area. During the day, join students in the Stadtpark, Graz's central park, for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
